For patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears, repair can be performed through an incision (open), or with the use of a small arthroscopic camera.  Historically, rotator cuff repair has been performed as an open procedure; however, arthroscopic repair provides a number of advantages including a lower incidence of infection, improved visualization of the joint and other structures of the shoulder, and preservation of the deltoid origin.

During arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, a small incision is made and a tiny camera is inserted through your skin to help direct your surgeon's instruments during the surgery. Several other small incisions are also made around your shoulder to enable your surgeon to pass instruments to grasp and move the tendon back to its normal attachment point.  Ultimately, the tendon is repaired to the humerus with  suture which is passed through the tendon and tied with specialized instruments that can be passed through these small incisions.

Following this procedure, patients are typically kept in a sling for 4-6 weeks.  Active motion is limited for up to 12 weeks following surgery, and weight bearing restrictions commonly are kept in place for approximately six months from surgery.

To find out if you're a candidate for rotator cuff repair, or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialty-trained shoulder surgeons at Western Orthopaedics, please call 303-321-1333.